Nashville Predators sign Marcel Goc to one-year contract

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 20, 2009 9:43 PM EDT

According to CapGeek.com, the Nashville Predators have signed center Marcel Goc to a one-year contract worth $550,000.

In four seasons with San Jose, Goc's best offensive numbers came in 2005-6 with 8 goals and 14 assists over the course of 81 games. As he turns 26 next week, it's hard to say that there's much untapped potential here, but some believe that with stable linemates he could be a useful 3rd-line contributor. This comes from Fear the Fin:

I'm not ready to give up on Goc. I think he's a good player. He might never put up the offensive numbers that a top six forward would, but that's not what I'm looking for. I want a solid, two way player who chips in some offense here and there. 11 points isn't nearly enough, but I think we can expect good things from Goc this year. With consistent line mates, a 30 point season isn't out of the question.

Marcel Goc

#11 / Center / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 200

Born: Aug 24, 1983

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Marcel Goc	55	2	9	11	-6	18	0	0	1	0	104	1.9

For the minimal investment being made here, it's hard to argue much against this move. Goc did post a 58% winning percentage on faceoffs last season, a point of value that the Preds may have taken seriously given the departure of Radek Bonk and Scott Nichol. He is known for blazing speed, which is certainly welcomed.

It will be interesting to hear from the team's eventual press release as to whether this is a one- or two-way contract, as there are limited spots available up front. Will this signing also put pressure on Cal O'Reilly to get his deal done, as another center joins the organization?

In the meantime, here's a demonstration of Goc's offensive instincts at work:

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Comments

According to CapGeek, the deal is a two-way contract (amount listed in yellow indicates two-way deal). Word from HF poster “echlfreak” has Goc making $550k at the NHL level and $105k in the AHL.

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by Seth Lake on Aug 20, 2009 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

"With consistent line mates"

“With consistent line mates…”
bwaaahh haaa haaa!

Yeah. We’re gonna get that in Nashville.
He’ll consistently be on a line with one of about 24 other guys during the course of the year.

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by pwnicholson on Aug 20, 2009 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

underwhelming signing

he is a former first round pick that san jose finally gave up on,i think that speaks for itself.

by predator63 on Aug 21, 2009 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

What role do you think he was signed for???

How can a bottom-six depth signing that addresses a need created by the departure of players this summer be considered underwhelming? This doesn’t preclude us from addressing that 6th top-six forward still in some fashion externally and no one is trying for force Goc into that slot either.

He is a reliable two-way forward that is known for his defensive work, excels in the faceoff circle, and has some unrealized potential in the offensive end of the ice. With a change of scenery, a new coaching staff, and an honest opportunity coming into camp to play himself into a role…I don’t see any reason to bemoan this signing.

Predators Hockey: Live it, Love it...

by Seth Lake on Aug 21, 2009 4:36 AM EDT up reply actions